Meet NSW swimming teens out to make a splash, Junior Dolphins at Pan Pacific meet

They are young, talented, Olympic hopefuls still in their teens and the Generation Next of the sport. The NSW swimmers to keep an eye on.

The young NSW swimmers to watch as they hit the international stage

They are our future Olympians and Commonwealth Games stars, standouts and medallists.

A wave of rising talent from NSW about to spread their wings on the world stage and with the potential to be in the mix for the Paris Olympics.

After Covid cancellations and restrictions, many of these young guns are competing in a major international event for the first time with the Pan Pacs to also be contested by the USA, Canada and Japan who have all selected extremely competitive teams.

And they are following in the footsteps of our great swimmers who also competed as teenagers at the famous Pan Pacific swimming event which showcases some of the world’s most exciting rising stars.

With the expertise of NSW Swimming coaching director Jon Shaw we take a look at the NSW young guns hoping to make a splash at the Pan Pacific swimming championships in Hawaii this week - and big events in the future.

Young swimmer Bella Grant is a star on the rise. Pic: Supplied

BELLA GRANT, TRINITY GRAMMAR SWIM CLUB

A 17-year-old who specialises in the 200m fly.

A talented butterfly swimmer she is also a top freestyle swimmer.

Held a state record in the 200m fly for 15 seconds recently only to see a great mate beat it.

“We hope for her growth to continue and she has really dropped her times in the also 18 month. On a good trajectory,’’ Shaw said.

Swimmer Isabella Johnson has talent to burn. Pic: Supplied

ISABELLA JOHNSON, SOPAC SWIM CLUB

Just 16 but a talent on the rise in the 50m and 100m breaststroke space.

She broke Olympic swimmer Dimity Douglas’ 100m breaststroke record when 13 - a record that had stood since the 1980s.

Has plenty of potential to go on to big things in the sport.

“Very good technician and breaststroke model,’’ Shaw said.

Teenager Haig Buckingham is one to keep an eye on. Pic: Supplied

HAIG BUCKINGHAM SOPAC SWIM CLUB

This 18-year-old is a real talent with the 100m and 200m breaststroke his speciality.

Tall timber, he is already around 193cm and has been one of NSW’s best junior breakstrokers to come through on the heels of Matt Wilson at the same age.

“Has plenty of potential,’’ Shaw said of the young gun.

Swimmer Olivia Wunsch is one the rise. Pic: Supplied

OLIVIA WUNSCH CARLILE SWIM CLUB

Just 16 and making her mark in the 50m and 100m frestyle events.

Has held state records and is an Australian age medallist.

“A very good swimmer. expanding her repetoire to the 200m and also a good butterflyer over 100m,’’ Shaw said.

ALISTAIR GORGIJIOVSKI, WESTS ILLAWARRA AQUATIC

An 18 -year-old 100m breaststroker with plenty of potential .

This young gun from the NSW south coast is “developing his trade very nicely,’’ according to Shaw.

This youngster is already making waves. Pic: Supplied

MARCUS DA SILVA, CITY OF SYDNEY SWIM CLUB

One of the youngest of our stars of the future and one to watch.

This 15-year-old swims the 100m free but can move around.

“Is in a similar vein to Flynn Southam,” Shaw said.

“He’s about half a second behind him at the same time.’’

The young NSW swimmers to watch as they hit the international stage in Hawaii.

DANIEL MCLOUGHLIN, KINCUMBER PACIFIC DOLPHINS SWIM CLUB

McLoughlin’s pet event is the 200 fly.

The tough speedster from the Central Coast “has been progressing really well’’.

“We are looking forward to seeing improvement,’’ Shaw said.

JAMIE MOONEY, WAGGA WAGGA SWIM CLUB

A regional success story.

Along with being a rising star of the pool he is also a talented AFL player.

“He is a great junior AFL player, a little like Kyle Chalmers, but has out his soul into swimming,’” Shaw said.

The Junior Dolphins are being lead by Chris Mooney with others coaches including James Joyce (MCA), Michaela Pattinson (Carlile), Richard Sleight (St Peters Western), Benjamin Tuxford (Trinity Grammar), Harry Clark (Breakers WA) and Rebecca Wheatley (City of Sydney).